The Norton Knatchbull School 11+

Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for The Norton Knatchbull School.

How to get into The Norton Knatchbull School

The Norton Knatchbull School is a selective secondary school in Kent. To get into The Norton Knatchbull School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into The Norton Knatchbull School with all the important information you need to know.

Admission Requirements

Children currently in Year 5 who were born between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2015 can take the Kent Test in 2025 for September 2026 entry. The planned admission number (PAN) for the school is 210 places annually [1].

The Norton Knatchbull School is a boys' grammar school with ages 11 to 18 located at Hythe Road, Ashford, Kent, TN24 0QJ. The school uses the Kent 11+ Test as its admission assessment.

  • Boys only for Years 7-11 with co-educational Sixth Form
  • Entry requires successful completion of the Kent 11+ Test
  • The Norton Knatchbull School does not have a formal catchment area. However, in most cases, it prioritises prospective pupils who live closer to the school
  • Being grammar assessed in the Kent Test does not guarantee your child a place in a Kent grammar school

Application Process

The application window for the 2025 exam will open on 2nd June 2025 and closes on 1st July 2025 (see key dates) for the Kent 11+ Test registration. Kent parents will be able to name up to 4 secondary school preferences. Read more about how to apply for a secondary school place.

Year 7 places at Norton Knatchbull School are allocated on the basis of student performance in the Kent 11 Plus Test. Admissions are dealt with by the Local Authority (LA) and, when parents apply, they must do so directly with Kent County Council.

  • Register for Kent 11+ Test online through Kent County Council website
  • Complete the Common Application Form (CAF) through Kent County Council
  • Name The Norton Knatchbull School as one of up to 4 preferences
  • Friday 31st October 2025: secondary school common application deadline (see key dates)
  • Contact details available in the school information section

Kent 11+ Test Information

Thursday 11th September 2025: Kent Test date for children in Kent primary schools and Saturday 13th – Sunday 14th September 2025: Kent Test date for children not in Kent primary schools (see key dates). Thursday 16th October 2025: Kent Test results sent to parents (see key dates).

The Kent Test is an 11 plus exam used by grammar schools in Kent. All of the grammar schools within the Kent County Council area use the Kent Test. This means that your child will only need to take the test once, regardless of how many grammar schools in Kent they're applying to.

  • The Kent eleven plus exam is split into three sections: Section 1 focuses on English and maths
  • Section 1 focuses on English and maths. Both topics have a 5-minute practice exercise and a 25-minute test. The test is multiple-choice and is hour-long overall
  • Section 2 evaluates students' Reasoning abilities
  • Following the exam, your child will receive three standardised scores, one for English, one for Mathematics, and one total score including Reasoning. In order to pass the exam, your child's standardised score must be over 109 and their total score must be 332 or more

Oversubscription Criteria

If more than 210 children applying to The Norton Knatchbull School achieve these scores, the school applies oversubscription criteria. Boys who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school and meet the entry requirements are first offered a place.

After EHCP students, places are allocated in this priority order:

  • Looked-After or previously Looked-After Children, and children who have been in state care outside of England
  • Boys who receive Pupil Premium (registered for free school meals at any point in the last 6 years)
  • Boys with a sibling at the school
  • Boys with a particular mental health, medical or social need to attend the school (or whose parents have such a need). Written proof will be needed from a relevant professional who can demonstrate a special connection between those needs and the school
  • Distance from school (closest first)

Preparation Guidance

The school recommends starting preparation well before the Kent 11+ Test date. Based on historical data, we have found that students who are able to score 75%+ consistently in our 11+ Kent practice tests are on track to pass The Norton Knatchbull School Test. Whilst there are no guarantees, this has historically been a fairly strong indicator that your child should do well in The Norton Knatchbull School 11+ exam.

To encourage even greater representation of children at NKS, we work in partnership with Atom Learning, the leading online Key Stage 2 learning and 11+ preparation platform, to provide students who are eligible for pupil premium with free online learning and 11+ exam preparation. This programme is designed to familiarise children with the type of questions they may see on the Kent Test, and build technique and confidence. They'll be able to access KS2 and 11+ practice questions, learning resources, and practice papers through their Atom Home account [1].

  • Begin preparation at least 12-18 months before the test date
  • Focus on Year 6 curriculum content before attempting practice papers
  • Use 'little and often' approach for content revision
  • Practice papers available at practice 11+ papers
  • Professional tutoring support at 11+ tutor
  • View a range of free familiarisation material from Kent County Council

Open Events

Open Mornings (9:15 to 10:30am): Thursday 12th June 2025 Tuesday 17th June 2025 Open Evening (6 to 8pm): Thursday 12th June 2025 (see key dates) for families considering September 2026 entry[1].

The Open Mornings will enable you, and your son, to meet key members of the team, listen to a speech from the Headteacher and receive a tour of the school during a typical day [1].

  • Attend Open Mornings to see the school during normal operation
  • Meet teaching staff and current students
  • Tour facilities and observe lessons
  • Registration required through school website
  • Contact details in school information section

Practical Advice

Many children will find the test difficult. Grammar schools in Kent provide for children in about the top 25% of the ability range. Families should consider multiple school options as Grammar schools are often oversubscribed, meaning they receive more applications than there are available places. Schools use their admissions criteria to rank all applicants in priority order, so it's important to read the admissions criteria for schools you are interested in.

On exam day, ensure children are well-rested and arrive early at the test venue. If you provide an email address when you register, your Kent Test result will be emailed to you on Thursday 16 October 2025. We can only send the results to the email address used to register your child. If you do not provide an email address, we will post your child's result to you on results day by first class post. If you have not received it, you can ask your child's primary school for their test scores the day after results go out.

  • Consider multiple school preferences including non-selective options
  • Research other Kent grammar schools as backup options
  • Ensure child understands test is not the only pathway to success
  • Plan test day logistics including transport and timing
  • If your child is not offered a place at the school, you will be able to appeal to an independent appeal panel and may be able to join the school's waiting list
  • For specific guidance, contact the school information section

[1]The Norton Knatchbull School official website

Kent 11+ Test Information

In order to get into The Norton Knatchbull School, children need to pass the Kent 11+ Test. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.

Kent 11+ Test Subjects & Structure

The Kent 11+ Test requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

  • English
  • Maths
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning
  • Spatial Reasoning

The Kent Test is the entrance examination for students seeking admission to The Norton Knatchbull School. This assessment, provided by GL Assessment, comprises two multiple-choice papers that evaluate a range of skills and abilities.

The first paper, which lasts for one hour, focuses on English and maths. The questions in this section are based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum, ensuring that students have a solid foundation in these core subjects.

The second paper, also one hour in duration, assesses verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning. These subjects are not typically taught in schools, so students may be less familiar with the question styles. However, these skills are essential for gauging a child's potential and ability to think critically and solve problems in novel situations.

Other Schools using Kent 11+ Test

As well as The Norton Knatchbull School, several other schools also use Kent 11+ Test. These are:

Kent 11+ Test Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as The Norton Knatchbull School is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.

Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.

Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.
Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.

Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.

It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!

Kent 11+ Test Pass Mark

The pass mark for the Kent 11+ Test changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).

Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.
Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.

Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at The Norton Knatchbull School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the The Norton Knatchbull School 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into The Norton Knatchbull School) as well as other relevant dates.

DateEventCalendar Link
02/06/2025Kent Test Registration Opens
01/07/2025Kent Test Registration Closes
11/09/2025Kent Test Date For Children In Kent Primary Schools
Mid OctoberKent Test Results Sent To Parents
Late OctoberSecondary School Common Application Deadline
02/03/2026National School Offers Day

Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with The Norton Knatchbull School as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for The Norton Knatchbull School

As the Kent 11+ Test entrance process is particularly gruelling, we would highly recommend using an 11+ private tutor.

Why use a private 11+ tutor?

Personal tutors have the experience and expertise to help children pass their 11+ exams. They know the requirements of the GL Assessment 11+ tests inside-out and can provide tailored support to give children the best possible chance of success. It's also important to bear in mind that plenty of other children will be using private tutors too.

11+ tutors don't need to be face-to-face, plenty of children use online 11+ tutors.

11+ tutors help ensure preparation work gets done!
11+ tutors help ensure preparation work gets done!

11+ tutors can also provide regular progress reports and feedback, helping parents to monitor their child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their preparation.

Most importantly, using an 11+ tutor helps ensure that the preparation work gets done!

Private 11+ Tutors for the The Norton Knatchbull School 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the The Norton Knatchbull School 11+ entrance tests. Please click here to be put in touch with a range of excellent 11+ private tutors from our friends at exams.courses.

11+ Past Papers for The Norton Knatchbull School

Here are all available past 11+ papers for The Norton Knatchbull School. Please note that this may include 11+ past papers, past familiarisation booklets, past practice materials published by third parties and past 11+ exam guides written by the school. These materials are provided 'as-is' and may no longer reflect the subjects, format, structure or exam board that The Norton Knatchbull School currently uses.

The exam board (or test supplier) that The Norton Knatchbull School chooses to use for their 11+ entrance tests can change and we encourage you to check directly with the school.

As well as these past 11+ papers, you may find our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers helpful for your child's preparation.

Exam BoardSubject11+ Past Paper
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for The Norton Knatchbull School

Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Kent 11+ Test Ensure you double-check with The Norton Knatchbull School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.

This is just a sample of our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers. Please click here to see the full collection.

11+ Practice Papers for The Norton Knatchbull School by Bond

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by Bond and cover and cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. As such they are very helpful for children hoping to pass the Kent 11+ Test to get into The Norton Knatchbull School.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for The Norton Knatchbull School by GL Assessment

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. As with the Bond papers, they cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. They remain useful and we encourage parents to download and use them with their children to help them get into The Norton Knatchbull School.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for The Norton Knatchbull School by Exam Ninja

These Free 11+ Practice Tests by Exam Ninja are extremely useful. They are straight-forward 10-question tests in Maths and English, following the same GL Assessment style (and multiple-choice format) as the Kent 11+ Test.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish

11+ Practice Papers for The Norton Knatchbull School by Owl Tutors

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by Owl Tutors. These too are written in a GL Assessment style and make useful practice for children hoping to get into The Norton Knatchbull School.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentWriting
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for The Norton Knatchbull School by CGP

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. As with the Bond, GL Assessment and Exam Ninja papers, they're written for the GL Assessment style, in multiple-choice format and are helpful for children hoping to pass their 11+ tests and get into The Norton Knatchbull School.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If The Norton Knatchbull School ever used them then they don't anymore as grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these 11+ tests remain useful.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
CEMMaths
CEMVerbal Reasoning
CEMNon-Verbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for The Norton Knatchbull School by 11+ For You

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for The Norton Knatchbull School by Independent Junction

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for The Norton Knatchbull School by IPS

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

11+ Practice Papers for The Norton Knatchbull School by Schofield & Sims

These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

School Information

Below you will find further information about The Norton Knatchbull School together with their admissions contact details.

The Norton Knatchbull School is a boys-only grammar school.
The Norton Knatchbull School is a boys-only grammar school.
Address
The Norton Knatchbull School,
Hythe Road,
Ashford,
Kent
TN24 0QJ
School Website
Telephone01233620045
Email Addresseseccombe@nks.kent.sch.uk
GenderBoys only
Total Year 7 Places210
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)1252 (26 Girls / 1226 Boys)
Headteacher Mr Ben Greene

The Norton Knatchbull School is a boys only school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).

In total 1,252 pupils attend The Norton Knatchbull School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Ben Greene.

The Norton Knatchbull School Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

Ofsted Information

The Norton Knatchbull School was last inspected by Ofsted on 13/12/2023 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 29/01/2024, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

The Norton Knatchbull School obtained <strong>Good</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2023.
The Norton Knatchbull School obtained Good in their last Ofsted inspection in 2023.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
13/12/2023129/01/2024GoodFull Report

Ofsted Report Summary

The Norton Knatchbull School was inspected by Ofsted on 13 December 2023. The overall outcome of the inspection was Good. This rating was consistent across all key areas assessed, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision.

The school demonstrated a strong performance in providing a high-quality education to its students. The behaviour and attitudes of students were also commendable, indicating a positive learning environment. The personal development of students was well-supported, and the leadership and management of the school were effective in driving improvement.

Additionally, the sixth form provision at The Norton Knatchbull School was rated as Good, suggesting that the school successfully prepares its students for higher education and future careers.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at The Norton Knatchbull School for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (187 pupils)
  • English Literature (187 pupils)
  • Mathematics (187 pupils)
  • Geography (138 pupils)
  • Biology (126 pupils)
  • Chemistry (126 pupils)
  • Physics (126 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (99 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (92 pupils)
  • History (92 pupils)
  • Spanish (80 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (61 pupils)
  • French (55 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (50 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (45 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (44 pupils)
  • German (40 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (23 pupils)
  • Music (18 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Biology (52 pupils)
  • Mathematics (46 pupils)
  • Chemistry (42 pupils)
  • Psychology (41 pupils)
  • Economics (33 pupils)
  • Physics (32 pupils)
  • Geography (29 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (28 pupils)
  • English Language and Literature (19 pupils)
  • Media/Film/Tv Studies (18 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (16 pupils)
  • History (16 pupils)
  • Sociology (16 pupils)
  • Design and Technology (Product Design) (12 pupils)
  • Physical Education / Sports Studies (12 pupils)
  • English Literature (10 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (9 pupils)
  • Classical Civilisation (7 pupils)
  • Spanish (7 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for The Norton Knatchbull School per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.

GCSE Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
U123456789
Art & Design (Fine Art)45-257999112
Biology126---2102837241411
Chemistry126---282326252616
Computer Studies/Computing92-28101114178157
Design & Technology99----21721242213
English Language187-117174647391910
English Literature1872-19255046222210
French55--1381912821
Geography138---520353329151
German401--49109421
History92--42111420151313
Mathematics187---1112858363617
Music1822261-1121
Physics126---1112231262114
Religious Studies44-2266512433
Spanish80--618195111065
Drama & Theatre Studies23-----210272
Physical Education/Sports Studies50---43101210101
Science: Double Award61----------

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Biology52-91010853
Business Studies:Single28--612531
Chemistry42-66612101
Classical Civilisation7--3121-
Computer Studies / Computing16--5272-
Design and Technology (Product Design)12---75--
Economics33-531175-
English Language and Literature19--39511
English Literature10--3133-
Geography29-37856-
Government and Politics9--24-3-
History16--15361
Mathematics46-6867124
Media/Film/Tv Studies18--7911-
Physical Education / Sports Studies12-231222
Physics32-796152
Psychology41-4814105-
Sociology16-1-4722
Spanish7--142--

FAQ

Is The Norton Knatchbull School hard to get into?

Yes, The Norton Knatchbull School is hard to get into! Children need to pass their challenging 11+ entrance test (with a high pass mark) and there's tough competition with many other children trying to get a place for Year 7.

Is The Norton Knatchbull School a private school?

No, The Norton Knatchbull School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.

Is The Norton Knatchbull School free?

Yes, The Norton Knatchbull School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to The Norton Knatchbull School won't cost you any money.

How do I get my child into The Norton Knatchbull School?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact The Norton Knatchbull School for how up to date information on how to apply (it may be automatic or it may require some forms to be filled in). More information on their 11+ entrance test can be found here.

Is The Norton Knatchbull School a boys-only school?

Yes, The Norton Knatchbull School is a boys-only school.

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